Chelsea boss Graham Potter opens up on the injury to Denis Zakaria

Speaking to the media after the game against Fulham (h/t Football.London), Chelsea boss Graham Potter offered an update on the injury picked up by midfielder Denis Zakaria and what it means for his availability in future games.

In the early parts of the second half, Zakaria felt something and went down immediately. He was eventually helped off the ground and was seen limping off the ground.

The Swiss international, who is on loan from Juventus for the course of this season, just started to pick up some form in the last few games. So, this injury is not just a blow for him, but for the team.

Chelsea boss Graham Potter opens up on the injury to Denis Zakaria. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) — LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 12: Denis Zakaria of Chelsea receives medical treatment during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Chelsea FC at Craven Cottage on January 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Here’s what Potter said when asked about the extent of the setback (h/t Football.London):

“The only assessment is it’s at the top of the quad. He felt it when he cleared the ball. In terms of the extent, it’s too early to say.”

As if Chelsea didn’t have enough players injured at the moment, another one joining the list is not ideal for Potter. Since the resumption of the season post the World Cup, Zakaria becomes the fourth player to pick up an injury, joining Reece James, Christian Pulisic and Raheem Sterling.

We anyway are running on the last legs in the midfield with N’Golo Kante out since the second week of August. Zakaria’s absence will hurt the team as he has looked dynamic in the last few games, even if those performances came in defeats.

Chelsea boss Graham Potter opens up on the injury to Denis Zakaria. — Graham Potter has had to deal with a lot of injuries amidst this rotten run of form. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Let’s hope the players who are out come back soon. Games come thick and fast though, with Crystal Palace due to visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday for an interesting London derby.

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Both teams come into this game on the back of two consecutive defeats. But, looking at the situation around, it is a no-brainer to think that Chelsea’s needs are greater at the moment. A big performance is needed to get some confidence ahead of the massive game away to Liverpool the following weekend.